Chippewa County Historical Society - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Chippewa County Historical Society: A Treasure Trove of Local History

The Chippewa County Historical Society, nestled at 115 Ashmun St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, United States, is a beacon of local history and culture. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history of Chippewa County. Let's delve into the details of this fascinating institution.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: The historical society boasts an array of exhibits that showcase the area's Native American heritage, fur trade, lumbering, and maritime history.
• Research Library: The society's library houses a vast collection of genealogical records, maps, photographs, and other resources, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and researchers alike.
• Educational Programs: The Chippewa County Historical Society offers a variety of educational programs, including school tours, workshops, and lectures, aimed at engaging and inspiring the next generation of history buffs.
• Special Events: The society hosts a range of special events throughout the year, such as historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations.

Location and Access

The historical society is situated in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, within walking distance of other local attractions, including the Soo Locks and the Museum Ship Valley Camp. The building is easily accessible by car, with on-site parking available. Public transportation is also an option, with the historical society located near several bus stops.

For those with mobility impairments, the society offers wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and toilet facilities. The building's layout is designed to be navigable by wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the exhibits.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Building: The historical society is housed in a beautiful, historic building that dates back to the late 19th century. The building itself is a testament to the area's rich history and architectural heritage.
• Gift Shop: The society's gift shop offers a variety of locally-themed merchandise, including books, maps, and other unique items that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
• Restaurant: Conveniently located on-site, the historical society's restaurant offers a range of delicious dining options, ensuring that visitors can refuel during their exploration of the exhibits.

Practical Information

Admission to the Chippewa County Historical Society is free, although donations are welcome and help support the society's ongoing work. The society is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. It's recommended that visitors call ahead or check the website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any temporary closures.

Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibits at their own pace, or they can take advantage of the society's guided tours, which are available upon request. The society also offers group tours, making it an ideal destination for school trips, family reunions, or other group outings.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the Chippewa County Historical Society consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly staff, who are always eager to share their expertise and enthusiasm for local history. The society's extensive collection of books and other resources is also a major draw, with many visitors commenting on the wealth of information available for research purposes. The society's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is also widely appreciated, with many visitors noting the ease with which they could navigate the exhibits, even with mobility impairments.

The society's gift shop and on-site restaurant are also popular features, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to pick up locally-themed souvenirs and refuel with a delicious meal. The society's varied special events and educational programs are also highlighted as standout features, with many visitors commenting on the unique and engaging experiences they enjoyed during their visit.

Overall, the Chippewa County Historical Society is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich and complex history of the region. With its comprehensive exhibits, extensive research library, and commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the historical society offers something for every visitor, regardless of their interests or abilities.

👍 Reviews of Chippewa County Historical Society

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Ruth N.

5/5

The train display is great! Especially great for train enthusiasts and kiddos!

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.

Kelli Z.

5/5

The recreated buildings in the train display allowed me to revisit my childhood in the Soo! The volunteer helped guide us where to go for more Native American history in the area. The ancestory tree posted was very informative

John P.

4/5

Small museum a lot of space has an O gauge train layout representing a past Chippewa County. The kids will love to see it and it has a few interactive buttons. Just watch that they don't try to touch with out asking first. It was a good way to explain logging, mining, & other industries of the area to the kids. While doing that a spouse can check out the rest of the museum. Stuff was friendly and helpful. Was a nice stop for a short visit. Put, a few buck in to help them out on the way out.

Tracy T.

5/5

We stopped by here after a nice lunch across the street and were so happy we did. We were met by a young man, Rowan. He may have been a teenager but he was a very informative and engaging guide! His passion for history and youthful exuberance really made for an interesting local history lesson. It’s definitely worth your time to stop in. They also have a great selection of local history books.

Carol M.

5/5

Love Bernie Arabic stories!!’ Also all of the info and pictures from the Coullards, and other contributors .and especially
your staff!. Thanks!!!

pocahontas R.

4/5

the ladies here are very knowledgeable! friendly & helpful it was a wonderful place to stop in there are numerous new & used books for sale & stories abound. they will also direct you to more local sites you may miss. I highly recommend you stop in. the only disappointment I had is that their native chippewa artifacts are extremely limited. considering their name & and location, we had thought they would have had more. this is the only reason they didn't get 5 stars .we were unaware of the ticket sale thing going on, so no, we didn't buy tickets.

Jim T.

5/5

Wonderful woman who was on duty the day we visited. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area. Great big model train set up of the area that works. Many local displays. Located in a beautiful historic building and worth stopping by.

Andrey S. (.

5/5

Chippewa County Historical Society has an amazing scaled model of the town & railroad, plus artifacts and souvenirs. Building’s under renovation, so it’ll be even better soon! A must for history buffs.

Chloe

5/5

The staff was very knowledgeable about the history of the city and the historical industry transportation. Their model of the town is very detailed and historically accurate.

Phyllis B.

5/5

This is a well organized and interesting place to visit with a wonderful train layout, unique shop with area books and little treasures for you and your home. The staff here is friendly and proficient in local research, and some of them are authors of local books. Many volunteers are enthusiastic and dedicated workers in this interesting old downtown building. Before Christmas there is an open house which is well attended.